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| Announcing the three winners of the Stella Artois Draught Masters Philippines 2017, recently held at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati. They will compete at the Asian Draught Masters in Bangkok, Thailand. From Left to Right: Mr. Joris Janssen - Marketing Director of AB Inbev Asia, Jason Laurio of Pablo's Bistro, Shiela Roa Poderanan of Draft Gastropub Ortigas, Michael Angelo Mallari of Draft Gastropub Greenbelt and Mr. Raj Sadhwani - CEO/President of Booze Online Inc. |
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| Cabaret-themed Stella Artois Event at the Fairmont Hotel, Makati. |
A class of its own, Stella Artois Philippines recently hosted it's 2nd Draught Masters Philippines Competion at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. The ballroom was transformed into a Cabaret floor, transporting its guests to the burlesque era of merry-making, mixed with a delightful, high-class society ready to indulge with the free-flowing Belgian beer.
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| Bottomless ice-cold Belgian beer throughout the evening. |
The competition was graced by bartenders from Metro Manille's restaurants, reputable bars and hotels. There were 16 finalists who contended among the best of the best, and showcased their expertise in the nine-step pouring ritual. Only three winners emerged as the masters, who will compete at the Asian Draught Masters Competition to be held in Bangkok, Thailand.
The winners are Jason Laurio of Pablo's Bistro, Shiela Roa Poderanan of Draft Gastropub Ortigas, Michael Angelo Mallari of Draft Gastropub Greenbelt. They were awarded on stage by Joris Janssen, Marketing Director of AV InBev Asia and Raj Sadhwani - CEO/President of Booze Online Inc.
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| The 16 finalists who showcased their Stella Artois pouring expertise. |
Each drop of the Stella Artois beer must be poured with precision and perfection, which offers an exquisite taste that the connoisseurs deserve. Every sip of an ice-cold Stella Artois is truly an experience, delivered from many years of brewing expertise.
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| The heat is on at the 2nd Stella Artois Draught Masters Philippines Competition. |
“Our nine-step ritual is a dance between the Chalice and the Draught Master. It is observed properly to serve a pleasantly bitter beer flavor we’ve always loved,” says Chester Cabrera, Head of Marketing, Booze Online, Inc. “With the second installment of Draught Masters Philippines, Stella Artois would like to share the brand’s over 600 years of brewing expertise by keeping our time-honored, nine-step pouring ritual alive.”
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| Beautiful Life authors enjoying the perfectly poured, ice-cold Stella Artois in its signature chalice. |
Stella Artois has been named the most sophisticated beer brand in the world. The brand's rich heritage dates back to 1366, when it was first concocted at the Den Hoorn Brewery in Leuven, Belgium. The brand's nearly 650-year heritage of tasteful sophistication is reflected in its iconic chalice and exacting 9-step pouring ritual. This process also ensures the best drinking experience for its patrons. With the brand’s dedication to offer the best tasting experience of a perfectly poured beer, this ritual lives on.
Stella Artois Nine-Step Pouring Ritual:
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| A Draught Master Finalist demonstrating the 9-step ritual to co-author of Beautiful Life, Monch Henares. |
The ritual begins with the bartender giving the signature Stella Artois chalice a cold-water bath, letting it reach the same temperature as the beer. For Stella Artois, the glass is a chalice designed to offer the authentic taste and aroma of the beer.
Step 2: The Sacrifice
In a single swift motion, the tap is opened but the first drops of beer are drained away—a sacrifice to guarantee that each drop poured into the chalice delivers the freshest taste.
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| Image courtesy of Stella Artois Philippines |
Step 3: The Liquid Alchemy
The chalice is held at a 45-degree angle to ensure that the beer circulates as it enters the glass, resulting in the perfect combination of liquid and foam.
Step 4: The Crown
As the beer pours, the chalice is gracefully straightened and lowered to form a perfect foam, which seals the beer’s freshness by preventing the exposure of liquid to air.
Step 5: The Removal
Here, a smooth and fluid exit is guaranteed by closing the tap quickly and removing the chalice to avoid any last drops from entering. These last drops are not worthy as it has already been exposed to air.
Step 6: The Beheading
The head is trimmed using a foam cutter at a 45-degree angle. This ensures that your glass of Stella Artois is void of large, loose bubbles that can speed up the dissipation of the foam.
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| Image courtesy of Stella Artois Philippines |
Step 7: The Judgement
The final head serves as a protection that keeps the freshness the beer. Its thickness must be three centimeters (two fingers) to ensure that the flavors are locked in.
Step 8: The Cleansing
The chalice is dipped in cold water to rinse the outside. The result is a neat, brilliant-looking chalice that is pleasant to hold.
Step 9: The Bestowal
For full appreciation, the chalice is placed on a coaster with a drip catcher at the base. This caps off the ritual with a perfectly served glass of Stella Artois for a Belgian beer bliss.
Source of the 9-step ritual: Stella Artois Philippines
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